Tryptophan source from plants and uses therefor

Abstract

Compositions are described comprising at least partially defatted meal from a plant source containing protein-bound tryptophan, preferably squash seeds, and, optionally, a carbohydrate source provided in an amount capable of facilitating transport of in vivo generated tryptophan across the blood brain barrier. Also described are dietary supplements, foods and beverages comprising the composition of the invention to reduce anxiety.

1. A method for reducing anxiety in a human in need thereof, comprising administering to the human a non-toxic, anxiety-reducing effective amount of a composition comprising at least partially defatted meal from a plant source containing protein-bound tryptophan that has a higher tryptophan source than said plant source and a physiologically acceptable diluent or carrier therefor, wherein said plant source is seed selected from the group consisting of butternut squash seed, peppercorn squash seed, pumpkin seed, lentil seed, flax seed, watermelon seed, sisymbrium seed, cotton seed, canola seed, evening primrose seed, alfalfa seed, barley and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       2. A method as defined in  claim 1  wherein said seed is selected from the group consisting of butternut squash seed, peppercorn squash seed and pumpkin seed. 
     
     
       3. A method as defined in  claim 1  wherein said composition further comprises a vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamin B3, B6 and combinations thereof in an amount sufficient to enhance uptake of tryptophan across the blood/brain barrier. 
     
     
       4. A method as defined in  claim 1  wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, suspension, liquid, capsule or gel. 
     
     
       5. A method as defined in  claim 1  wherein said composition is in the form of a dietary supplement. 
     
     
       6. A method as defined in  claim 1  further comprising a carbohydrate source having a high glycemic index. 
     
     
       7. A method as defined in  claim 6  wherein the carbohydrate source is selected from the group consisting of glucose, maltose, sucrose and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       8. A method as defined in  claim 7  further comprising a vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamin B3, B6 and combinations thereof in an amount sufficient to enhance uptake of the tryptophan across the blood/brain barrier. 
     
     
       9. A method as defined in  claim 8  wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, suspension, liquid, capsule or gel. 
     
     
       10. A method as defined in  claim 8  wherein said composition is in the form of a dietary supplement. 
     
     
       11. A method as defined in  claim 10  wherein the supplement is formulated into a plurality of oral dosage forms for ingestion on a daily basis. 
     
     
       12. A method as defined in  claim 6  wherein said composition comprises at least partially detatted butternut squash seed meal providing from about 25 mg to about 50 mg tryptophan, from about 75 mg to about 100 mg of glucose and a physiologically-acceptable diluent or carrier therefore. 
     
     
       13. A method as defined in  claim 6  wherein said composition further comprises from about 5 mg to about 50 mg vitamin B3, from about 0.5 mg to about 50 mg vitamin B6, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       14. A method as defined in  claim 6  wherein said composition is in the form of an edible food or beverage.